About
With nearly 17 years of experience in landscape architecture, I specialize in creating unique environments for a variety of projects. From designing intimate residential terraces in New York City to vibrant urban plazas in Houston and serene estates in Connecticut, I thrive on the dynamic challenges presented by diverse settings, including the arid Coachella Valley, the lush woodlands of South Georgia, and the icy conditions of Vermont lakesides.
My professional journey began as a graduate student, interning at Randy Purnel Landscape Architect in Rancho Mirage. During graduate school, I collaborated on the award-winning thesis project, "Kids at the Creek," which addressed challenges within an urbanized watershed in San Diego.
In 2007, I joined Ken Smith Workshop and contributed to the design of the expansive 1,300+ acre Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California. My dedication to design excellence led me to the New York City studio in 2009, where I played a pivotal role in developing public and cultural projects, including spearheading the Arts Plaza in the Brooklyn Academy of Music Cultural District.
In 2012, I transitioned to SiteWorks Landscape Architecture and supported the $60 million construction of Phase I of Governors Island Park and Public Space, designed by Dutch firm West8. Beginning in 2014, at Deborah Nevins & Associates, I led landscape design and construction management for high-end residential clients and contributed significantly to institutional projects.
In 2017, I co-founded Nevins Benito Landscape Architecture DPC, focusing on transformative projects like the campus expansion and restoration of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Beginning in 2021, as Senior Design Principal at Kounkuey Design Initiative, I oversaw projects like the Pacoima Wash Greenway Park and Desert Lakeshore project in Thermal, CA, and led the design for the Eastern Coachella Valley Shade Equity project.
Recognized as a 2014 emerging Latino American Landscape Architect by the American Society of Landscape Architects, my core values of social justice, hard work, and environmental stewardship were shaped by my family's experiences with immigration. Fluent in Spanish, a Registered Landscape Architect in New York and California, and currently residing in Palm Springs, California, I continue to bring passion and expertise to shaping meaningful landscapes for clients and communities.
Contact
Professional Experience
Partner, Nevins & Benito Landscape Architecture, D.P.C., New York, NY, 2017 -
NBLA, collaborated with Deborah Nevins & Associates, on the campus expansion and restoration of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Featured in Architect Magazine, August, 2018.
Residential Development with KPF, New York City
Senior Design Principal, Kounkuey Design Initiative, Coachella & Los Angeles, CA, 2021 - 2023
Pacoima Wash Gateway and Greenway, Pacoima, CA
Safe Place for Youth: Venice Oasis, Venice, CA
Shade Equity Bus Shelter Prototype, Oasis, CA. Featured on NBC Palm Springs and in the Desert Sun.
Crenshaw Affordable Housing, Los Angeles, CA; in collaboration with Designing Justice +Designing Spaces
Feasibility Study for The California Endowment, Los Angeles, CA; in collaboration with Designing Justice +Designing Spaces
Desert Lakeshore: Environmental Education Site Concept, Thermal, CA; for Friends of the Desert Mountains with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
Associate, Deborah Nevins & Associates, New York, NY, 2014 -
Washington Residence, CT; worked with G. P. Schafer Architect on historic 18th century property.
East Hampton Residence, NY; collaborated with Peter Marino Architect on remodel of oceanfront residence.
Block Island Residence, RI; worked with G. P. Schafer Architect on multi-structure estate.
Malibu Residence, CA; worked with Robert A. M. Stern Architects on addition to oceanfront family compound.
Shelburne Residence, VT; with G. P. Schafer Architect involved in all aspects of landscape design for lakefront estate. Featured in Architectural Digest, July, 2021, and Veranda Magazine, November, 2019.
Bel Air Residence, CA; with Appleton Partners, LLC. managed construction observation and document production. Featured in Architectural Digest, October, 2016.
East Hampton Residence, NY; with G. P. Schafer Architect involved in construction observation, planting installations and overall project management.
Hunting Lodge, GA; Project Manager; with G. P. Schafer Architect restoration of historic 5,000 acre hunting property. Featured in Veranda Magazine, February, 2020.
Project Manager, SiteWorks Landscape Architecture, New York, NY, 2012 - 2014
Governors Island Park and Public Space, New York, NY; Owner’s Representative, involved in the quality assurance of paving installations, park signage and planting materials.
Associate, Ken Smith Landscape Workshop, New York, NY, 2007 - 2012
International Garden Show 2013, Hamburg, Germany; Project Manager; schematic design through costing and construction documents, for garden representing the United States.
Design Waller Creek Competition, Austin, TX; Project Coordinator; liaison for interdisciplinary nationwide team for the proposed revitalization of an urban stream and greenway.
Brooklyn Academy of Music Cultural District Streetscape, Arts Plaza, and South Plaza, Brooklyn, NY; Project Manager; schematic design through construction; lead junior team members in construction document production, agency submissions and custom furnishings development.
Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition, Minneapolis, MN; Project Manager; coordinated multiple submissions and presentations for finalist ranking competition entry.
Great Park Preview Park Signage and Wayfinding System, Irvine, CA; Project and Production Designer; schematic design through implementation. Winner of a 2009 ASLA Professional Award.
Orange County Great Park Master Plan, Irvine, CA; Design Team Member; created renderings, plans, and document layouts; mentored staff in creating graphic exhibits. Winner of a 2008 ASLA Professional Award.
Education
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA; Master of Landscape Architecture, 2007
Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA; Bachelor of Fine Art - Environmental Arts, 1997
Honors
ASLA Merit Award, Outstanding Academic Achievement, Cal Poly University, Pomona, CA, 2007
ACADEMIC
Guest Lecturer, Penn State University, State College, PA
Guest Studio Critic, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Guest Studio Critic, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
SOCIAL
Instagram.com/mario_benito_landscape_arch
© Mario Benito 2024
Logo Design: Waterhouse Cifuentes Design
